Seven Signs of GloryNäide

Day 3: A Word That Travels Fast

A motif is a rich and beautiful creative tool. Like a signature whisper, woven through a story or a song, a motif is a recurring thread that reinforces meaning and links the whole piece together. Think of the shark’s ominous theme in Jaws that frightens you every time those two notes play, even before the monster has appeared. Motifs create patterns, connect ideas, and point to a bigger picture.

When Jesus performs miracles, we can think of them like motifs in God’s grand narrative. These open-heaven moments are powerful in themselves, but they always point to something deeper: the wider patterns of God’s purpose.

Let’s dig further. We all know words have power; it’s something we’ve all experienced. Our words can build up or tear down, encourage or destroy. A word of affirmation can impact the trajectory of someone’s life. Equally, a careless word of gossip can shatter someone’s confidence. And yet this weight, the power of our human words, is a mere echo of the weight God’s Word holds. His Word is not just powerful, but ALL-powerful; transcending time and space, creating and shaping reality itself.

The Bible teaches us that God’s Word underpins everything. Genesis begins with creation by His Word: “And God said, “Let there be light!” (Genesis 1:3 ESV). John’s Gospel then intentionally echoes this, opening with: “In the beginning was the Word.” (John 1:1 ESV). Scripture is making a cosmic point: God’s Word, embodied in Jesus, is unstoppably powerful and stunningly creative.

If the power of God’s Word is the principle, then today’s miracle - John’s second ‘sign’ - is the motif, pointing to that bigger picture. In Jesus, we see the might of God’s Word in living, breathing action. The official’s son wasn’t healed by Jesus’ physical presence but by His spoken Word – from a distance. It’s a moment that reveals the unmatched authority and reach of God’s Word; a moment that causes the official to joyfully surrender his life to Jesus.

Today, like the official, we can have faith that God’s word is true, trustworthy and powerful. It transcends time and space, and we can rely on it. As theologian Darrell W. Johnson writes: “Jesus’ word not only informs, it performs; his word not only announces, it accomplishes what it announces.”

Prayerfully reflect. What promises of God are you struggling to trust? What would it look like to rest confidently in His Word today, even if He feels far away? Then, go one step further. Meditate on the power of your words. How can you use them for good today, rather than harm – to lift others up, rather than pulling them down?